I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/'^ 
Chap. _._£: 3 1 2- I 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, f] 




AN 

ORATION, 

IN COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH OF OlTR 

ILLUSTRIOUS WASHINGTON, 

PRONOUNCED 

AT WINDSOR, FEBRUARY 24, IBl'Z, 

BEFORE Tits 

BY JOSIAH DUNHAM. 



* W.k Wl'BR SBi.lI. tOOK trPO» HIS LIKB AGAIN." 



J^UBLiaHED AT THE REQUEST OF THE SOCIETY^ 



^VINDSOR, Vt. 

?JJI\TED BT THOUA9 M. POMBOX- 
1812. 






At a Regular Meeting of the VfKsiM^O'iO's Benevolent Society of 
the County of Windsor, holden at Pettes's Hall, Hon. Jonathan 
H. Hubbard, Vice President, in the Cbair, — thefolloviing KESO- 
LUTION luas read, and unanimously adopted ; — and Horace 
ETerett,Esq. Hon- Lewis R* Morris,and Capt. ^Villiam Tileston, tuere 
appointed a Cotntnittee to carry the same into effect. 

" Resolved^ That the thanks of this Society be presented to 
their President^ for his excellent ORATION, delivered at their 
request,on the Anniversary of our beloved WASHINGTON ; — 
and that a Copy be requested for the Press." 

Attest— THOMAS M. POMROY, Sec'ry 



To an application Jroni the above named Committee, in pursuance of the 
foregoing Resolution, the President returned tbefolloiving answer- 

Obntlemen, 

I hope I duly appreciate the partiality, with which the per- 
formance in question was received, as well as the polite manner, in which 
the sense of the Society has been communicated. 

The Oration is truly, a hasty piece of patchwork. — and was intended 
solely for the ear- It is, however, deemed a duty to submit it to your 
disposal ; — and that too, for certain good reasans, without alteration, 
or amendment 

With sentiments of respect, 
I have the honor to be, 
Gentlemen, 

Your Obedient Servant, 

J. DUNHAM. 
H. Everett, Esq. ~^ 
Gen. L. R. Morris, ^Committee. 
Cs-t.W. Tileston, 3 



Alf 



ORATION. 



Friends and Feilow-Citizens ! 

IF ANCIENT republics were proud of their 
heroes and law- givers, surely Americans may be 
proud of the Father of their Country. If Greece 
gloried in the names of Solon, of Lycurgus, of 
Th E MIS TOOL Es ; — If RoTue gloried in the names of 
Romulus and Numa, of Fabius and her Scirios ; 
SI! (ly Americans may glory in the name of WASH- 
INGTON. If the Greeks and the Romans celebrat- 
ed the memory of those immortal leaders and found- 
ers of their republics, by eulogies and orations, by 
festivals and games, for the purpose of stimulating 
their countrymen to a grateful recollection & zealous 
emulation of their virtues, then surely Americafison^i 
ever to commemorate the name of W a shington. 

Tho' the Hero now sleeps with his fathers ; the' 
his bones are now mouldering, with those of his 
compatriots, in the bosom of that country, for whose 
liberties they toiled and suffered ; yet the heart, which 
is grateful and good, will cheerfully yield the tribute, 
due to his memory. History may, possibly, do 
justice to his merits.' Columns and mausoleamay 
yet, one day, be erected to his memory : but even 
this would not be enough. We ought to dwell, with 
delight, on every trait of his venerable character ; — 
to admire that brilliant constellation of inestimable 
qualities, which constitute the Hero, the Statesman, 



and its ingredient was Despotism : — presented too, 
by that government, to which we owed allegiance, 
and which, in turn, was bound to protect us. Where 
was the high-minded, free-born, true American^ that 
would drink of such a cup ? — Not one ! — It was 
spurned from the touch, and indignantly dashed in 
the teeth of our oppressor. 

But the sordid minions of governmental power 
were now actually thriving and happy yOn this dreadful 
system, — so ruinous to the people, — so fatal to our 
liberties. They supported, of course, and commend- 
ed this system. It was clearly their interest, and 
they, possibly, thought it their duty, to applaud, in- 
discriminately, every act of the Administration. — 
Nay, they went farther ;~they even dared to de- 
nounce, as reb;?ls, and traitors to their country, all 
who could even doubt the wisdom, or expediency, '"^ 
Executive measures. In their estimation, ** affairs 
were never more prosperous^'' ! With the silver- 
smith at Ephesiis, they could say — '* By this craft, 
Tve ha'ue our wealth .-"—and thus, while these pand- 
ers of office were picking up the crumbs, which 
i'eli from the royal table ; while they could retain their 
places, their influence, and emoluments ; they could 
neither see nor feel the calamities of their country. 
Hence, the whole herd of petty tyrants, of civil .and 
military officers, of spies and informers, of tools and 
tories, with Governor Hutchinson at their head, 
set up, at once, the hue-and-cry of treason and rebel- 
lion ; the sword was drawn by government against 
us ; — the-Gordian-knot was cut ; — and we, the peo- 
ple, were compelled to assert our rights, and to main- 
tain tiiem ; — or to perish in the attempt. 

What a lesson to tyrants ! What a dreadful lesson 
to any government, that dares encroach on the sacred 
rights of Freemen ! 

Now arrived the solemn crisis, — the hour, *' that 
tried men's souls." What could be done ? We were 
an infant nation; but just arising from the cradle of 



parental care : — Like a dutiful aggrieved child, we 
looked up to Britain, with tears of humility and res- 
pect, for protection. Our voice was not heard . We 
remonstrated ; we demanded justice. Instead of the 
mild whispers of peace, or the soft soothings of ma- 
ternal love, we were answered with the blazing of can- 
nen and the thunders of war. We were then feeble, 
and there was none to help. Where should we look 
for a leader ? — Who would go up to fight against the 
enemies of Liberty ?T^The" finger of Heaven was 

pointed to WASHINGTON --who in 

the affair of Braddock, had already exhibited tal- 
ents of no ordinary cast, by bravely rescuing the 
mangled skeleton of an army, from a merciless 
French and Savage foe, and by almost snatching the 
laurel from the brow of exulting Victory. Yes — in 
this dark hour, when hardly a gleam of light, or a 
ray of hope, could be discerned, thro' the impenetra- 
ble gloom, which enveloped our country ; when 
Despair had become our secret companion ; — then, 
as a nation, we leaned on the only Arm, that could 
save. — "In our distress, we cried unto the Lord; 
and he heard us, when there was none to deliver." 
The Star of Divine Wisdom, which once stood 
over Bethlehem, now rested upon Mount Vernon ; — 
and the Sages of the West were conducted to the 
abode of our political Savior. 

" Where beauteous Vtrnon blooms in rural pride, 
And broad Potoivmac's shoalless waters glide, 
Great Washington, in ease and wealth reclin'd. 
Mid every charm reposed his godlike mind ; 
Reai'd in embattled scenes and born to dare, 
Each varying danger of the chanceful war ; 
The lengthened line to break, the height command, 
To force the camp, and free the fetter'd land ; 
His was the first of Fortune's gift to claim, 
And his the triumph of unbounded fame. 
Indulgent Nature, emulously kind. 
Gave to his fnrm the graces of his mind, 
While his bold stature towers supremely high, 
And, like his genius, claims the lifted eye ; 



The kindly features, peace and'truth impartj 
Calm as his reason, open as his heart ; 
For him the bleeding States united call, 
On him, the Iiopes of varying: millions fall ; 
With grief and praise, his melting soul assail, 
And breathe a prayer in every gliding gale. 

" Touch'd by the view of dark impending woes, 
From scenes of bliss, the patriot Champion rose i 
Disdained the meed his peerless perils claim, 
His trophy freedom, and his guerdon fame ; 
Could, with firm mind, luxurious peace despise, 
And scorning wealth, to every glory rise. 
At night's mid hour, to lead his hardy train, 
Oe'r the bleak height and thro' the murky plain, 
From the burnt shores, where Carolina glows. 
To the deep winter of Canadian snows ; 
He quits the lap of ease, the bower of love, 
The peaceful mansion and the vocal grove. 
Braves the dark scene, where cold Misfortune loweris, 
And meets the rage of yet unconquerM powers ;— . 
Powers, — that his blooming youth to battle led ; 
For whom he triumph'd, and for whom he bled ; 
On those the Chief his patiiot falchion turns ; 
And Friendehiji slumbers, — while his country mourns.** 

Such was Washington, when called, by the 
united voice ot his country, to the post of duty, diffi- 
culty, anddani^er. And who else, without the weak- 
nesses which depreciate, or the vices which disgrace, 
human nature, could have displayed all the virtues, 
and exerted all the talents, which ennoble man, or a- 
dorn the Hero? — Who, but Washington, amidst 
the contending elements of our revolution, with mod- 
est dignitv and unbaffled skill, could have " rode up- 
on the whirlwind and directed the storm" ? — Always 
calm and serene, always firm and inflexible, always 
prompt and decided ; in short, always himself — 
he was found prepared for every event, and adequate 
to every trust. It was his wisdom, his prudence, his 
circumspection, his moderation, which turned, at 
last, the fortime of the day, and crowned us with vie- 
torv. 



Shall we compare the character of General 
^Fashington, with that of other Generals & iieroes, 
cither ancient or modern ? — Alas ! — no parallel can 
be drawn. Their characters will be found .^s vari- 
ous, as their respective motives of action, and as the 
objects for which they severally contended ; as dif- 
ferent, as sordid ambition from true gloVy ; as self in- 
terest from honest patriotism ; as vice from virtue. 
CpvOMwell, — C^sAR, — Alexander, — were dis- 
tinguished Generals. But their most splendid ac- 
tions may be traced to the most sordid sehishness, or 
the most i^^noble passions : false ambition, love of 
power, cold hypocricy, or cruel revenge. 

Not so with Washington : — the good he aimed 
at was his couniry's ; — the glory, to which he aspired, 
was that of having done his duty J 

Cromwell, with the zeal of a fanatic, with the 
tant of a hypocrite, and with tlie syren song of " Lib- 
trty^'''' could subvert a throne to enthrone himself. 

C^sar could subdue nations — but "• Caesar was 
ambitious : — he could not subdue his own heart. 
Flushed with the laurels of victory abroad, he could 
not brook a superior at home.-^He had vanquished 
the enemies of Rome : — why could he not vanquish 
Romans ? — It was done. He crossed the Rubicon^—' 
triumphed at Pharsalla^- — i,iezed upon the govern- 
ment, — and gave chains to an empire. 

Alexander — the Great — he was a Conqueror. 
He conquered th.e world. Nay — he concjuered him- 
self ! — After having wantonly overrun ihe world, 
laying waste, with hre and sword, the luirest portion 
of humanity ; and, with the fury of a Demon, crying 
*' havoc P'' among the noblest works of God ; after 
having shed more blood, and produced more human 
misery, than any other inhuman being, (if we except 
*' Napole^jN Le Grand") he fella victim to his anv 
bition ; — the poor, pitiful ambition, of having it to 
say, that he could swallow more wine, than au}^ other 
krids in his armv ! ! !— -He did so, indeed— -and r/?Vi/ 



10 

m a debauch ; — while his revelling companions pro- 
nounced the following Hie Jacety over his wretched 

remains — 

ICT'HERE LIES — 
THE CONQUEROR OF THE WORLD— 

«' Shrunk to 'h-i sorry iiieasure" ! ! -'J^ 

Not so with W.. oHiNGTON : — liis ambition was of 

nobler stamp ; and his glory, like rho Christian's 
hope " was founded on a rock." He fought, not for 
himself, but for his fellow man ; — not to conquer, 
but to defend ; — not to ruin a foe, but to protect a 
people ; — not to enslave a country, but to free, to 
bless, to build up a nation ; — to establish it on the 
broad basis of ec^ual rights, in the enjoyment of 
liberty, and under the protection of liw. 

Such was the object, which led Washington to 
the field ; — and-, when his work was done, when he 
found the name of Columbia inscribed on the list of 
independent Empires, he sheathed his sword ; threw 
down his laurels, at the feet of that country, for which 
he had so gloriously triumphed ; and, great, like Cin- 
ciNNATUs, returned to the Plough ; — to the bosom 
of his dear delighted fcunily ; — to the exercise of the 
domestic virtues ; — and to the cultivation and enjoy- 
ment of the sofi arts of peace. Wonderful man ! 

Like the Hero of Ossian, " he was terrible in the 
battles of hisstee'. j- — his suord Vv^aslike lightning in 
the field ; — his vjice like thunder on the distant hills : 
— many fell by his hand ; they were consumed in 
the flames of his Vv rath. But, when returned from 
the war, how peaceful was his brow ! — His face was 
like the Sun after rain ; — like the moon, in the silence 
of the night ; calm, as the breast of the lake, when 
the loud wind is laid !"' — 

" Thou Hero ! once Columbia's proudest boast, 
* In peace our council, and in war our host, — 
As erst when Pharaoh.^ 'nealh his tyrant band, 
lleltntles", crusli'd the ciiosen Patriarch band ; 
j^IosES, "with pious care, the people led. 



11 

And pourM destruction on the guilty head ; 

Guided them, dauntless, thro* the wat'ry waste, 

And the bold path thro* trackless deserts trac'd ; 

Reviv*d desponding hopes, and calm'd iheir fears. 

While all Mount Sinai thunder*d in their ears, 

Till the poor pilgrim tribes, each danger past. 

Saw the bright Land of Promise rise, at last ; 

So stoodst thou once-, — our shelt'ring cloud by day, 

Our fiery pillar in the midnight way ; — 

Led'st, thro* Oppression's pathless wikis along, 

Thy tainting bands, and soQth'd the murm'ring throng ; 

Blest with thy smiles and with thy bounty fed, 

Turned rocks to vva^.c i, and the dew to Drc;ad ; 

The wearied p'lgrim cheer*d wiih prospect sweet, 

And crush*d the Tury serjicnt, at thy feet, — 

Till Freedom rose — with beaming splendors bright, 

And all Canaan's glories, ghdden'd on the sight." 

The character of the General^ of the patriot- ^cro, 
is now consummated. But the spleiidid flibric of 
Washington's fame is but half completed. Like 
M SEs, he has led us forth from the land of bondage 
and, thro' a wilderness of dangers and a Red Sea of 
blood, has introduced us to a view of the promised 
land of peace and independence. But here the par- 
allel fails. Mosfcs was not permitted to enter that 
CaTiaan, which he could only behold, at a distance. 
to Joshua, at whose command " the Sun stood 
still on Gibeon, and the Moon in the valley of Ajalon ;" 
— To Joshua it was given, to cross the mighty Jor- 
dan, to take possession of the promised land, and to 
lay the foundations of the empire o^ Isi'ael. Wash- 
ington was both our Moses and our Joshua : — He 
crossed the Jordan of Anarchy, which succeeded the 
Revolution ; took possession of this goodly land ; and 
established the Ark of our political covenant, in the 
adoption of the Federal Constitution. Nay — he did 
more : — like David, he drave out the Savage Phi- 
listines before him, established peace in our borders, 
and silenced the Absalom of sedition, who had 
erected the standard of rebellion, m our political 
Hebron, in the west. He exhibited also the wi.don 



12 

of Solomon, in the Administration of our govern- 
mem ; — in his skill to do justice and judgement, be- 
lore the peoijle ; — in making a league of amity and 
commerce with powerful nations ; — in patronizing 
industry and enterprizc, agriculture and the arts : — 
And. like Solomon, he too eree'eda TEMPLE — i 
the majestic temple of our rights .tnd libiihties, — 
on the favorite spot, which he himself had cnosen, and 
consecrated, for that great national object ; — and 
which his grateful countrymen have since honored 
and rendered immortal, by calling it — " the City of 
WASHlNGiON." 

i^t the close of our revolutionary war, we were 
found, indeed, \\'i;iQ and independent ; but without 
governraent, without union, and almost without re. 
sources. It was soon found, that in the hour of per- 
il, a sense of common danger had proved alone our 
common bond of union. Different states had differ- 
ent interests ; and the old Articles of Confedenition 
had no longer any power. Like the cords, with which 
Sampson was bound, they became as flax, which had 
been scorched in the fire ; and for the ordinary pur- 
poses of government, or for promoting the general 
welfare, ihey were but a mere " rope of sand." 'i'he 
country was deeply involved in debt, a scene of an- 
archy ensued, and general distress prevailed. We 
were in possession of the ground, we had a broad 
basis, and had, indeed, collected the materials, yor a 
mighty empire ! But where was the Architect, vv here 
the political Hiram, \vho could place the corner stone, 
complice the foundation, connect the various parts, 
adjust the symmetry and proportions of the whole, 
and erect the superstructure ; — the grand, the stu- 
pendous fcibiic of a Republican Government ? 

Again the 6nger of Heaven was pointed to Wash- 
ington. — The Star ^A'lW ^\oodiO\cr Mount Vernon: 
— and he was again called forth, as the strength of 
our national hope, and the rock of our political salva- 
tion. 



A convention had been formed, with Washing- 
ton at its head, for the purpose of establishing a ra- 
tional system of government, the best possible adapt- 
ed to its only legitimate object, the freedom and secu- 
rity of the citizen. Such a system, it was correctly 
believed, must be an elective republicanism, of the 
mixt kind, equally remote from Despotism and De- 
mocracy. Such a system of government had long 
been the grand desideratum of political writers; and 
the great question was, how far the individual must 
sacrifice to the public ;— how far natural liberty must 
be surrendered, and how far retained ; so as to secure 
the citizen from lawless depredation, on the one hand, 
and, on the other, from tyrannic sway. Mankind, 
ever terrified into submission by a rod of iron, have, 
without jesistancc, either bowed the neck to the yoke, 
or have been flattered and betrayed by the blasphe- 
mous mockery of designing Demagcgues ; who, like 
Cromwell, or R0BE.P1ERIIE, or Napoleon, under 
the plausible pretence of being ^h^ friends ofthe people, 
with the sacred name oj LIBERTY on their tongues, 
and xvith //le tyranny of hell in their hearts, have 
been, unsuspectedly, engaged, in riveting the chains 
of galling Slaverj'. 

The unstable nature of the Republics of antiquity, 
and the precarious tenure, by which the rights cf the 
people were secured, arose, no doubt, from a want of 
the principle, to which we allude ; that nice balance 
of authority, which can be produced only by throw- 
ing such a quantum of power into the different De- 
partments, as will, by die operation of checks, e^ 
<]ually secure individual liberty and the public weal. 

A monarchical despotism is a tremepdousevil ; nor 
is the wild misrule of a fierce democracy scarcely less 
to be dreaded. It is too often a government of passion, 
prejudice, and injustice ; and is equallv remote from 
the mild empire of reason and truth. Hence the ne- 
cessity of guarding, as well against the evils of licen- 
tiousness, as the grasp of tyranny ; of so constituting 



14 

a government, as to give the most ample security for 
the enjoyment of Hfe and property, with the greatest 
possible degree of personal liberty and rational free- 
dom. 

In constructing a Constitution for our country, to 
all the other difficulties necessarily attendant on so 
nice a calculation for the general good throughout, 
what Mr. QuiNcY calls a congregation of empires, 
were now superadded the obstacles,almost insurmount- 
able, resulting from our extended territory ; fr( m the 
variety of our climate, and productions; from the dif- 
ference in our local habits and customs ;— and from 
the necessary collision of local interests. 

Such was the Herculean task, which Washing- 
ton and his Compatriots were destined, by Heaven, 
to perform for their Countrv. — Audit was done. 

The FEDERAL CONSTITUTION is a "stu- 
pendous fabric of human wisdom." It was projected 
by Washington, and had infused into ithis whole 
soul. It WMS the most perfect model of government 
ever exhibited to the world. It combines all the 
wisdom and experience of ages ; and is better cal- 
culated, than any otheryet known, to guarrantee to the 
citizen freedom and security ; prosperity and happi- 
ness. 

Is it possible, that such a Constitution, an instru- 
ment so wisely planned, could have enemies ? — It had 
— ind they were denominated, of course, Anti- 
Federalists.* 

In some of the state conventions, this Federal Com- 
pact met a powerful opposition : but at length, the 
voice of wisdom was heard ; the Constitution was a- 
dopted ; and its administration vvas entrusted, by the 
unanimous call of a grateful people, to its principal 
Projector, the only legitimate "Father of cur 
Country." 

After the loud tempest of the Revolution had ccas- 

* A name aPterwarcIs exchanged for that of Democratsyox 

Democratic liefiudUcans, 



15 

ed to roar, when the dark storm of Adversity had 
passed over our heads, and the flittin^^ clouds of An- 
archy had disappeared, to behold WASHINGTON 
once more at the helm, was, indeed, " as the appear- 
Unceof the Sun after rain'''' : it dissipated the gloom, 
that surrounded us, and enkindled new ardors in the 
breast of the desponding patriot. Is seemed the har- 
binger of many and great blessings to our country. 
Faction shrunk before him, and hid its malignant 
head. Confidence and hope were restored, even to 
the war-worn Soldier, when he could thus again look 
up to his illustrious Leader, and, in his face, behold a 
pledge that he should not, in his old age, be forgotten 
by his country ; nor be doomed, at last, like the aged 
and blind Bellisarius, to — 

*' Beg bitter bread, thro' realms, bis valor sav'd.'* 

The ground work of JVashin^ton^s policy : both at 
home and abroad, was A SACRED REGARD TO 
PUBLIC JUSTICE : and in relation to the two 
great Belligerents, a policy, which necessarily grew 
out of this principle, AN honest, impartial, and 
DETERMINED, NEUTRALl I'V. To extend to 
them our Commercial relations, but to have with 
them as little political connection, as possible ; 
*' constantly keeping in view, that it is folly, in one na- 
tion, to look for disinterested favors from another." 
And, upon this ground, it is, that he so solemnly 
warns us, against indulging an inveterate antipathy 
against the one, or a passionate attachment for the 
other; but to cultivate just and amicable feelings to- 
wards both. Because, said he, " the nation, which 
indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an 
hafeitual fondness, is, in some degree, a slave. It is a 
slave^to its animosity, or to its affection — either of 
which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and 
its interest." 

In pursuance of this wise, this just, this 'magnani- 
mous policy, a regular yet free government was or- 
ganized ; — 



16 

The foundations of a revenue were laid, with that 
of a navy to protect it ; — 

Provision was made for the payment of the public 
debt ;— 

A small army was raised, and a Savage foe reduc- 
ed to peace and friendship ; — 

Treaties of amity and commerce were formed with 
European nations ; — 

The eround of an honest neutrality was 
taktn,^'ind SUPPORTED ;— 

Trade and agriculture, industry and the arts, 
again revived ; — 

The American name became known and respect* 
ed abroad ;— 

And, in short, at the fiat of Washington, socialand 
political order came forth out of a confused Chaos of 
national elements ; while its happy result was such 
years of domestic peace, individual happiness, and na- 
tional prosperity, as the world never before witnessed. 
Ill possession of the land, which flowed with milk and 
honey, we had literally, peace in our borders, plenty 
in our dwellings, and health in our habitations ! 

That such were the happy fruits of the Washing, 
toman, or Federal Republican y\-)o\\cy, will not be de- 
nied. We cannot open our eyes, without beholding 
evidence of this impressive fiict. The official records 
and Reports of our national government. The unex* 
ampled increase of our population and wealth ; the 
trade and extent of our seaport towns ; — the sudden 
growth of our country villages ; — the successful en* 
terprise ©four merchants ; — the thriving industry of 
our mechanics ; — the honest independence of our 
farmers ; — the almost palaces (as they would be called 
in Europe) in which ihey reside; — the numerous 
steeds in their stalls, — the flocks, that whiten their 
mountains— and the cattle that graze on their 
thousand hills, — all attest the correctness of Wash- 
ington principles, the superior excellence of his policy, 
and the consummate v.isdom of his measures. 



17 

But, if this were not enough, vre might appeal to 
the testimony of those, who sut:ceeded to the Admin- 
istration of our aftliirs, with the popular Expectation, 
that the condition of our country would, by this 
chan.^e of men, be rendered still more flourishing. 

'When Mr. Jefferson was placed in the executive 
chair, he did a signal act of justice to his predecessors 
in office. He bore official testimony, strong and un- 
equivocal, to the excellence of our constitution and to 
the wisdom of its antecedent administration. For he 
declared, that our republican system was, then, " hi 
the full tide of successful experiment."*^ Never was 
more ample justice displayed in fewer words ; — for 
the whole annals of man do not exhibit any country, 
under so brilliant a prospect, or in so rapid a career, 
to the bright goal of individual happiness & of national 
glorj'. A twelve years' experiment had been made, 
and was crowned with success. And, if the profes- 
sions of our Friends 02^ the People had been sin- 
cere, and if their talents had been such, as ought to 
wield the destiries of an empire, had we not a right to 
expect, that the condition of our countr}' would, in 
their hands, be still farther improved? — that "the 
tide of success" would still continue to flow ? — that 
out* national felicity would still farther increase ? — and, 
in short, that the morning Sun of our country's great- 
ness, which rose with such unrivalled splendor, should 
have continued its majestic march towards the bright 
meridian of our hopes, and have been now seen bhed- 
ding abroad, upon our land, the bright ellulgence of . 
its beams, in unclouded day. 

How far this reasonable expectation has been real- 
ized, — let each individual, in this assembly, decide 
for himself 

Suffice it to remark, thatthe tivelve years of demo- 
cratic administration have now nearly expired ; — and 
let the Successor, whoever he may be, REr.\ y the 
COMPLIMENT, — if He honcstlij can, 

C 



In contemplating the durability of republican insti- 
tutions, if we search into the first causes of their de- 
cline, we shall always find it to proceed from a want 
of virtue in the people, manifested by their appoint- 
ing to office z/«/;n;?r;i/)/<ffi^w2£'« ; men, who talk much 
of the rights of the" citizen, and of their country's 
weal, while they mean only their own interest ; men, 
who like Absalom, take every one by the hand, sa- 
lutin;^' him kindly, & exclaiming- -" Oh/ that I were 
made judge in the hind, that every man, who had a 
cause, or suit, might come unto ?ne, and I would do 
him justice''^ ! 

It haslonj2:becna maxim, with political writers,, 
that VIRTUE is the basis of a republican government; 
and perhaps no m.an ever felt a more solemn convic- 
tion of this truth, than Washington. lie never 
vauntingly declared, that " for ten years,he had never 
seen the inside of a church ! !" — No — but, from his 
vouth up,, was a constant and devout attendant on the 
M'orship and ordinances of God. In all his public 
acts, he acknowledges the influence of an overruling 
Providence : not merely that cold and formal ac- 
knowledgement, ?(9 .ju'L'^ appearances, and which de- 
cency requires; bui which expresses, in the most 
strong and unequivocal terms, an unceasing sense of 
dependence, and an unshaken reliance, ojian omnip- 
otent arm, as the only anchor, suie and stedfast, 
even qf worldly hope. Al'ho' this circumstance is 
well known, to most of this audience, yet this strong 
Trait of hi:i character is so interesting in itself, and so 
important to our country, that I cannot resist the 
temptation to read an extract, or two, in support of 
what I have advanced. At the termination of the 
war, he addressed a Valedictory Circular to the Gov- 
ernon of the several Stales, which he closes tlius — 

" I now muke it my eajr.^'st prayer, that God would have you, 
ani.1 the ^tate, ovei- which you presidf, in his holy protection; 
that he would incline the hearts of the citizens, to cultivate a 
spirit oi'suhordination and obedience to j^overnment, to entertain 
a brotherly affection, and love, for one another ; for their fellow? 



19 

eitizens of the United States, at large ; and, particularly, for their 
brethren, who have served in the field : and,fiiKilly, that he would 
most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do justice, to love 
mercy, and to demean ourselves, with that charity, humihty, and 
pacific temper of the mind, which were the characteristics of the 
Divine Author of our blessed religion ; without an humble imita- 
tion of whose example, in these things, we can never hope to be 
a happy nation." 

Again, in his Inaugural Address to Congress, 
he declares, that *'ihe foundations of ournational 
policy must be laid in the pure and immutable prin- 
ciples oi private morality. ^^ — And he adds — 

" I dwell on this prospect, with every satisfaction, which an 
ardent love for my country can inspire ; since (here is no truth 
more thoroughly established, than that there exists, in the econ- 
omy & course of nature,an indissoluble union between virtue and 
happiness — between duty and advantage — between the genuine 
maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and tlie solid re- 
wards of public prosperity and felicity. Since we ought to be 
no less persuaded, that the propitious smiles of Heaven can nev- 
er be expected on a nalion, that disregards the eternal rules of 
order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained." 

And,once more, in his Valedictory Address,he says— 

" Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political pros- 
perity, religiofi and moral ty are inseperabie supports. In 
vaiii would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should 
labor to subveit these great pillars of human happiness, these 
firmest props of the duties of man und citizens. A volume 
could not trace all iheir connections with private and public fe- 
licity. Let it be simply asked, where is Ihc security for prop- 
erty, fjr reputation, fur life, if the sense of religious obligation 
desert the oaths, which are the instruments of iniestigation in 
courlsof justice ? — And let us,with caution, indulge tiie supposi- 
tion, that morality fan be maintained, without religion. Resson 
and experience both forbid us to expect, that national molality 
c.'<n prevail, in exclusion of religious principle. It is substantial'y 

true, that virtue is a necessary spring of popular government. 

AVho, then, that is a sincere friend to it, can look, v.iih indifier- 
«nce, upon any attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric l" 

Such was the spirit, sucii the purity of republican 
principle, which actuated Washington. How dif- 
ferent this spirit, how opposite its influence, oa the 
affairs of a nation, from the operation of that infidel 
philosophy of revolutionary France, which teaches us, 



that THE BKD SANCTIONS THE MEANS, hoWeVCr 

wicked^ or corrupt ; and, that it is oi' no consequence 
to society, whether my neighbor believes " in twek. 
TY Gods, or no God ;" because, forsooth, such a 
harmless belief, '* neither picks mrj pocket, nor breaks, 
my leg^"* .' ! ! 

It was the Christian philosophy, the religion 
of IVashington, to which we are indebted for the wis- 
dom of his measures, and the consequent prosperity 
of our country. It was because the foundations of 
his policy " were laid in the pure and immutable 
principles of private morality,^' bottomed on *' relig- 
ion;''^ because he perceived " an indissoluble union, 
between virtue and happiness— between duty and ad- 
vantage — between the genuine maxims of an honest 
and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of 
public prosperity and national felicity." In short, 
because his policy, was " that righteousness, 
WHICH exalteth A NATION" ; and which alone 
will secure to the government of any people " theJ'uU 
tide of successful experiment^ 

In no public act of Washington's did any sel- 
fishness appear. His integrity was incorruptible ; 
his ends upright ; his means direct ; and " his pro- 
fessions — both to his fcUow-citizenf., and to foreign 
nations, were always sincere^ 

He seems to have had a single eye to the glory 
OF God and to the good of his country. Hence that 
meekness and humility, unalloved with a particle of 
pride, which led him, on mH occasions, to a diffidence 
of his own powers, and to lean, for strength and suj)- 
port, on Heaven alone. How strongly is this 
wonderful trait of his character illustrated, in the close 
of his Valedictory Address ! 

"In reviewing," says he, "the incidents of my Administratior^ 
aUho' I am unconscious of intentional error, 1 am iievcrtlie!ei>s 
too sensible of my defects, not to tl.iiik it probable, that 1 may 
have coir.mitfed many triois. Wkvitever they may be, I fer- 
vently besetcli llic Almighty to avert or nuiigate tin: evils to 
Mfhich tlifv 11) hv ^end. ) shall a'.-.vyys carry vith me the hope, 



that my country will never <:ease to view them with indulgence ; 
and that after forty five years of my life dedicated to its Service, 
with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be 
consigned to oblivion, as my&elf must soon be to the mansions 
of rest." 

And he is at rest. — He is now gone, to join the 
band of Christian patriots and heroes, who fought and 
bled by his side. Shaded with laurels of unfading 
green, crowned with a diadem of glory, he is now at 
ResT, in that world, where wars and toils can never 
come. Like Elijah, he has ascended to Heaven in 
the bright chariot of his glory ! Well may the Patriot 
exclaim.with the forsaken Elisha, — " My father ! 
MY Father ' — the Chariot of Israel !" — 

O my countrymen ! my countrymen ! — Is there 
no Elisha — Is there no Elisha, in our ylinerican 
Israel^ — on whom his mantle has fallen ? *. 

[CC/'Here a inovirnful Dirge, exquisitely plaintive and pathetic, from an 
unknown part of the gallery, at once arrested the attention of the au- 
dience ; and tbe rest of the Oration vias lost, 
except the following] 

ADDRESS. 



Gentlemen Officers, 

AND Brethren of this Societt ! 

IT was a favorite maxim with certain an- 
cient philosophers, that " truth is great and must 
PREVAIL." Out of a confidence in this maxim 
i^rew " f/ie JVashington Benevolent Society'''' ; — for 
upon this rock, the eternal basis of truth, was tlie 
Institution founded. Happy then am I to see it 
flourish ; — happy, indeed, in finding it established 
within your friendly walls ; and thrice happy, my 
Brethren, in being able to address you, on this joyful 
anniversary, as members of this extensive, this res- 
pectable, this growing Fraternitj'. 

Altho' politics are, by no means, the main object 
(as by some supposed^) of this Institution ; yet, i,it 



22 

M ill not be denied, that one important end contem- 
plated by its founders, was, by correcting the moral, 
to correct also the political sefiti?nent of our Fellow- 
Citizens ; and, in this way, to contribute tlieir mite, 
towards preserving our invaluable Constitution ; — 
towards perpetuating our republican blessings ; and 
towards enabling our countrymen to transmit, unim- 
paired, to posterity, that freedom and independence, 
that security and happiness, for which our Fathers 
fought, and bled, and conquered. 

We have already shown, that the policy of our il- 
lustrious Patron was founded in a sacred regard to 
justice, to virtue, to religion. And, on what other 
foundation, shall we look for real benevolence ? 
Where else shall we look for that true philanthropy, 
which contributes most to the happiness of our spe- 
cies ; and which is better promoted among oar fellov/- 
citizvins, by forming in their rainds true principles of 
morality and integrity, than even by relieving them 
with donations in money ? Tiiis was a benevolence, m 
which Washington excelled, perhaps, every other 
man ; and in which, of course, he more nearly resem- 
bled tiie beneficent Author of our holy religion. 

But the benevolence of Washington was not a 
speculative benevolence, so diiiLislve, as equally to 
embrace within its liberal range, the whole lumily of 
man ; nor of that cold and contracted stamp, \vhich 
rests nlone in morrj theorv, and is calculated only to 
ado! n die closet of the philosopher. No— it was a 
living fountain — an active principle, — which delight- 
ed in human felicity ; — in doing good, and commu- 
nicating. 

His private alms and humble deeds of charity, 
tho' not done before men, to be seen of them, were 
yet well known to be equally commensurate with his 
ample fortune and tiie benevolence of his heart. The 
public institutions, to which he so liberally contribut- 
ed, clisjyiay the munificence of his character, as the 
great Patron of all, that was useful to our country. 



25 

In addressing you, my Brethren, as the members 
of a social & Benevolent Institution, I need only ex- 
hort you to study his character and to copy his great 
example. In the various characters and situations, 
in which he was called to act, learn what Washing- 
ton did — theuy ^^ go ye^ and bo likewise." 
It was a maxim of Divine Wisdom,enjoined upon UvS 
by our blessed Saviour, and unquestionably the most 
correct criterion, by which, either to judge, or be judg- 
ed, — " By their fruits ye shall know them." — Let us 
embrace and follow this unerring guide. And w^ile 
we are silently marking the conduct of others^ and 
appreciating their motives, by this golden maxim ; let 
us not forget, that the avowed enemies of our Insti- 
tution, at least, if not the world at large, are at the 
same time watching w^, rigidly scrutinizing our con- 
duct, appreciating our motives, judging of our fruits ; 
— and, to speak mest charitably, we may venture to 
assert, that they will, at least, apply to us this same 
maxim, as the most liberal measure of our own per> 
fection. 

Let us then walk Vi^orthilv of our high vocation, as 
WASHINGTONIANS. ' Let us remember our 
various duties, as men, as citizens, and as members 
of this Society. Oar duties to our God, to our 
neighbor, to our Government, and to the woild at 
large. 

As citizens of a great Republic, our political max- 
ims are drawn from our illustrious Leader ; — from 
his life and example ; from his Valedictorv Address ; 
and from that magnanimous policy, which distin- 
guished his wise administration. We are to regard 
the Federal Constitution, as the ark of our po- 
Htical safety ; to guard against its invasions,from what- 
ever quarter ; & to cling to the Union, as the last sheet 
anchor, of our national hopes. We are to divest our- 
selves of all foreign prejudices and predilections ; 
& to be AMERICANS, in thought, word, and deed> 



u 

As members of this Institution, we are to cultivate 
harmony, friendship, and love, among the Brethren ; 
and to aid and assist each other, in our several lawful 
vocations, so far as we can do it, consistently with our 
own interest, and our duty to others. We are to 
cherish within our circle, and to exhibit before the 

world, BENEVOLENCE, CHARITY, & GOOD FRUITS; 

to do Jitstic j,<xud to love mercy — to soothe affliction, to 
commiserate misfortune, to raise up the bowed down, 
and to dissipate the dark clouds of the disconsolate, 
or to gild their gloom with the calm sun -shine of peace. 
In short, we ought,in our various relations, to let our 
light so shine before men, as to become a lamp to 
their paths, and thus to render ourselves an example 
worthy of imitation. It is by such a line of conduct, 
that we may hope to secure to ourselves the es- 
teem and the confidence of the good and the wise ; 
and to induce the real patriot and the honest man, to 
fly to our standard, and to enlist under our banners. 
And it is thus alone, that we can hope to obtain, at 
length, A TRIUMPH, over the tremendous powers of 
Ignorance, Prejudice, & Error; atriplealhance, which 
has so long u-iurped the empire of Reason and Truth; 
Such a triumph would indeed be glorious — it would 
be worthy of our noblest exertions and of our highest 
worldly hopes. It would, indeed, be a work of true 
benevolence^ of the purest patriotism, and of the most 
exalted virtue : — it would be worthy of a union of vir- 
tuous, honest, and patriotic citizens ; — it would be 
vvordiy of the name, which vre have assumed, — that 
of the Washington Benevolent Society. 



